If you were to design the house party of your dreams and were looking for a certain band to entertain your reveling guests and keep them dancing all night long (or until the po-po shows up), I think I’ve found who you are looking for. I’ll give you a hint: it’s not Kid ’n Play.
Yes, it’s Black Kids. 2008’s indie synth-pop darlings brought their newer wave stylings to Seattle, still touring off of the not-so-surprising success of last year’s debut album, Partie Traumatic. I say not-so-surprising, because if you take one listen through the record you’ll realize that this band has an instant appeal that will help propel them to further success, as long as they keep making music as fun to listen to, and remarkably consistent as their first album
It’s this consistency that had me assured that the Neumo’s crowd would not leave disappointed. “Listen To Your Body Tonight” and “Partie Traumatic” opened up the set and had the sold-out crowd ready to let loose, although it was not until lead-singer and guitarist Reggie Youngblood implored everyone to really start dancing when the band really connected with the Neumo’s denizens.
Youngblood’s voice is the most distinct aspect of the band’s sound, falling somewhere between Robert Smith on anti-depressants and a crooning David Bowie. Comparisons aside, the uniqueness of his vocals help set the band apart from other indie acts with catchy choruses and synthesizers.
Every one of the band’s songs has an instant hook that can be attributed to solid songwriting and production that may seem gimmicky or cheesy at first, but one quickly abandons this thought rather quickly after uncontrollably starting to move one’s body to the retro-synth goodness. It’s just the right amount of cheese.
The band rolled through a number of the songs from the album, as well as a new song, called “UFO Cool” that hopefully is a sign that they are working through some new material that will make up their second record. My two favorite songs, “Hurricane Jane,” and “I’m Making Eyes At You,” were played towards the end of the set, and are both prime examples of what Black Kids does best: cheeky synth hooks and vocals that brings one back to the apex of 80’s new wave, while bringing enough of their own sound to the table to make the song instantly memorable and able to stick in your head for days.
At it’s core, Black Kids is five friends having a blast on stage, playing their favorite music and desperately wanting to bring the audience in on the party. They rightly deserve a future spot reserved for them in the pantheon of great party bands.
If you can’t book Black Kids for you next house party, do the next best thing: buy their album, press play, and try not to dance.
DOWNLOAD: Black Kids - I'm Making Eyes At You (MP3) or Follow us for more Black Kids MP3s (Twitter)
I LIKE THE OLD ONE! PEOPLE ON YOUTUBE ARE SAYING THE FREKIN’ JO BROS (WHO SUCK NO OFFENCE)ARE GOING TO BE THE BEATLES!!!!! “THE BEATLES, A TRIBUTE” ARE BETTER THAN THEM. DISNEY CHANEL SUCKS FOR TRYING TO0 REMAKE ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES OF ALL TIME!!!
by Claire on Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 10.51 pm from the entry: New Yellow Submarine movie to take flight
thanks all! as jeff noted, it was a pretty great show. and when they play with chali 2na i’ve heard it’s another level.
re: #11 - pure luck.
by josh on Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 06.37 pm from the entry: Ozomatli + Nathan Maxwell & the Original Bunny Gang - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR; Nov. 5, 2009)
what colin said.
by josh on Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 06.36 pm from the entry: Wiz Khalifa: Burn After Rolling (Mixtape)
Great photos! cool review! another great melophobe article!
by Josh Kincaid on Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 05.44 pm from the entry: Ozomatli + Nathan Maxwell & the Original Bunny Gang - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR; Nov. 5, 2009)
the photos are pretty legit.
by colin on Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 05.33 pm from the entry: Ozomatli + Nathan Maxwell & the Original Bunny Gang - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR; Nov. 5, 2009)
love picture #11, Bean. way to capture a moment.
by chris on Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 05.20 pm from the entry: Ozomatli + Nathan Maxwell & the Original Bunny Gang - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR; Nov. 5, 2009)
But don’t the lyrics have to be there for it to be interesting? They are just run of the mill and it’s not like the beats are all that interesting. There is plenty of better stuff to smoke to, hip hop or otherwise.
by Colin on Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 04.29 pm from the entry: Wiz Khalifa: Burn After Rolling (Mixtape)
Black Kids are like music in my ears.
catchy, and their heavy touring has helped their non-"not going teach your boyfriend” songs actually work. Their first go-around last year was tough to watch, but they seem to be pulling it off now